August 06, 2026 01:52 PM UTC

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• by: Colorado Pols

Republican Attorney General nominee Michael Allen — currently the District Attorney in El Paso County — is busy digging up old crime data rather than looking into obvious problems in his own backyard. Allen conspicuously ignores the more relevant numbers in an effort to boost his law enforcement bonafides in a General Election matchup with Democrat Jena Griswold.

Here’s what Allen posted today on X:

You might have noticed that the data Allen includes is from 2010-2022, which is…neat, but not particularly relevant for 2026. Allen’s data source is the “Common Sense Institute,” a right-wing organization in Colorado with a history of producing dubious facts and figures. It’s also worth noting that Allen was sworn-in as the El Paso County DA in January 2021, so most of the data he tweets about has nothing to do with him.

We decided to check on current crime numbers instead of Allen’s old data by using Colorado’s crime statistics database (coloradocrimestats.state.co.us). Allen definitely does not want to get into a comparison of more recent crime trends between Denver County and El Paso County, because Denver is doing significantly better in reducing violent crime:

In 2023 and 2024, violent crime in El Paso County actually went UP — while violent crime in Denver was on the decline.

The numbers don’t support Allen’s narrative, which he explained in late June to Thelma Grimes of the publication formerly known as the Colorado Statesman:

Allen argued that, with all statewide offices turning over, voters want someone with a proven record of reducing crime. He contrasts his prosecutorial background with what he describes as an Attorney General’s Office that is focused on national politics, lawsuits against presidential administrations and bureaucratic growth. He points to Colorado’s high rankings in violent crime, property crime and auto theft as evidence that the state needs a different approach.

He frames himself as the only candidate who has prosecuted criminals, reduced crime and delivered measurable results.

If by “measurable results,” Allen means “things got worse,” then he’s absolutely correct! Otherwise, Allen has most certainly not been overseeing a reduction in violent crime compared to big scary Denver.

El Paso County is doing slightly better than Denver County in terms of robbery rates, though El Paso County has seen a more significant increase in robberies compared to Denver:

Let’s go back to that story from the Colorado Politics website:

Allen said he has led major cases, including prosecuting the Club Q mass shooting suspect. He also worked to create a motor vehicle theft unit, and he oversees the state’s Election Integrity Unit, he said.

Bang up job on motor vehicle thefts, Michael!

Compared to Denver, El Paso County actually saw a big jump in motor vehicle thefts before numbers started to decrease.

Maybe Allen will be more aggressive in his role as the head of Colorado’s Election Integrity Unit. If he’s looking for someplace to start, here’s a hot tip.

[taps fingers on desk]

Poor Michael Allen. Those pesky facts always seem to get in the way of a good narrative.

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